Procrastination is one of the many poor habits that a lot of us may be shy to admit we are guilty of. The same applies for people in the working environment. If you and your workforce fail to deal with problems in this area, expect productivity levels to plummet.
For certain workers, tactical procrastination techniques can actually have a positive effect on their performance, such as by tackling projects in intervals. On the other hand, what works for a particular company’s employees will not necessarily enhance productivity for another.
Essentially, this means that if you want your workforce to become as creative, satisfied and hard-working as possible, it is your responsibility to change the situation.
Assessing day-to-day company operations, from the techniques employees utilize for collective task accomplishment to the way you handle an unfortunate incident, is the first step you must take to determine exactly what is hindering employee productivity.
What are the potential causes of poor employee productivity?
Cracks will begin to show in your company’s foundation if you fail to notice the importance of a healthy workforce. You need not be a genius to figure it out, but you do need to keep an open mind to the needs of each worker in a particular firm.
Unless you are aware of the triggers that are impacting employee productivity, selecting a strategy that proves valuable will be time-consuming. On that note, everyone is different and so, what weakens one individual’s productivity may be on a completely different spectrum to what impacts another employee.
Let’s touch upon some common causes of poor employee productivity to ease the mind and reverse the problem(s):
- Outdated Systems – Technology is an integral cog in the inner-workings of pretty much every business nowadays. Without it, delays, obstacles and myriad inconveniences can negatively impact employee productivity. Make life easier for everyone by updating your company’s systematic system.
- Personal Issues – Life can throw it’s curveballs unexpectedly and in some cases, this can make the idea of working impossible. Ease up on employee pressure, compliment your team more frequently and make them feel special by treating them like a friend, rather than an employee.
- Employee Dissatisfaction – The more passionate somebody is about their job, the faster they’ll jump out of bed in the morning and prepare for a productive day. If you notice that your team are not prioritizing tasks in order of importance, adjust your management practices slightly. Strive to assist the people who require a helping hand in certain areas, as this will energize the entire workforce.
Effective Management Strategies to Enhance Productivity
While it may be a case of trial and error for some organizations, the task of enhancing workplace productivity can be positively implemented with instant effect for many companies. Better productivity leads to increased sales and improved employee retention. An effective management strategy will teach you the critical qualities of becoming/maintaining your status as an inspirational leader.
Below, we elaborate on some methods to enhance productivity and capitalize on the human resources that make up your team:
- Set Realistic Goals for Your Team – A stressed employee will not be a productive employee, not will he or she be satisfied with their job role. Give your team a chance to prove themselves in different areas of work, from coming up with creative ideas to analysing new products. The more involved an employee, the harder you can expect them to work. Be realistic and don’t forget just how much of a difference that little bit of praise can make to your team’s work ethic.
- Reward Workers for Overcoming Obstacles – Whether it is a coupon for a spa day, an early finish from work or a generous bonus in their paycheck, rewards are critical for employee retainment. Tell your team every time they are performing well and make them feel valued, as a way of promoting productivity.
- Organize Team-Building Activities – Some people will work better alone and vice-versa. However, isolation in the workplace can sometimes lead to animosity and awkwardness. Furthermore, you never know when you may rely on your team for a group collaboration! Organizing random team-building activities will make work more enjoyable and give you a chance to assess each person’s strong/weak points.
In addition to the above things, you can anticipate better employee productivity by lightening the load from time-to-time. Grant frequent breaks during the day, as this will prevent workers from losing focus when they return to their assigned duties.
Break the routine every so often to eliminate feelings of tediousness and always provide the necessary equipment. When the latest range of materials, equipment and software systems are introduced into the working environment, not only can you reduce the chances of costly mistakes but also, you can speed up the process of each task.
